How to Plan a 1-Day Trip from Hong Kong to Macau

Just an hour away, but quite different from Hong Kong, is Macau: the mega-resort and casino center that also has interesting historical sights.

It is popular to travel from Hong Kong to Macau. In this article, you will find out how to travel to Macau from Hong Kong and what to see in Macau.

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau

From Hong Kong to Macau, there are three modes of transportation: sea, land, and air. We suggest that you travel to Macau by ferry, which is the most convenient and economical.

By ferry (most recommended): It takes about 1 hour by boat from Hong Kong to Macau. The one-way fare is about 170KD. The fare for night ferries or holidays will be slightly more expensive.

By bridge (a new and comfortable way): Take the bus over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from Hong Kong port to Macau in just 40 minutes.

By helicopter (the coolest): It takes only 15 minutes to take a direct flight from Hong Kong to Macau, however the price is 4,300 HKD one way.

Hong Kong to Macau by Ferry

Hong Kong Ferry Terminals

1. Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (preferred, most frequent ferries)

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal is near the IFC Towers in the Shun Tak Centre on Hong Kong Island. You can take the subway and get off at Shueng Wan Station. During the daytime, there is a boat every 15 minutes.

2. China Ferry Terminal (recommended, good location)

China Ferry Terminal is in Tsim Sha Tsui. It is about a kilometer north of the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry. You could walk to it through Harbour City Mall, or just take a taxi to 33 Canton Road.

This terminal is located in the New Territories, which is not popular for tourists. There are less than 10 ferries traveling between Hong Kong and Macau every day. This terminal is only practical if you are staying nearby.

Macau Ferry Terminals

It doesn't matter which port to go to Macau because Macau is not big. No matter which terminal you arrive at, there are free shuttle buses that can deliver you to any hotel or casino.

1. Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal (close to downtown Macau)

Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal, also known as the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, is the main northern terminal closest to San Ma Lo, architectural attractions, and about 23 mainly smaller casinos.

You can take Bus 3 from San Ma Lo to the Macau Ferry Terminal in about 10 minutes for 2.5 HKD.

2. Taipa Terminal (close to casinos, hotels, airports)

Taipa Terminal is to the south, closest to the Cotai Strip area with the biggest casinos such as the Venetian, the City of Dreams across the street, and the Macau International Airport.

To go to the Taipa Terminal, take the Cotai Jet from any of the three Hong Kong terminals. There are late night returns (at 1 AM) from the Cotai Terminal to the Hong Kong Macau Terminal.

Ferry Tickets: Costs and Where to Buy Them

Ferry prices are higher in the evening and highest at night, and higher at weekends and holidays.

For economy class, the prices are from 171 to 211 HKD for a single trip.

For superior/first class, the prices are from 346 to 391 HKD for a single trip.

You can buy ferry tickets at every ferry terminal as well as online. Usually, it is no problem to buy tickets on the spot except on some festival days. If you would like to skip long lines, you’d better arrive early or buy tickets online.

Getting from Hong Kong to Macau by Bridge

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, the longest sea-crossing in the world, connects the cities of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau. This crossing is open 24 hours.

There are shuttle buses going from Hong Kong to Macau at all hours, they cost 65 HKD normally (70 HKD at night: 12-6 AM). The buses take around 45 minutes.

In Hong Kong, there are direct shuttle buses starting from Hong Kong Airport, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central to Macau via the bridge.

Planning a Macau Day Trip

The St. Paul’s Ruins

Macau's main draw for tourists are the big casinos and hotels. It is the new gambling resort capital of the world with 5 of the world's 10 largest casino resorts. But there are also old Portuguese sites to see. UNESCO World Heritage sites San Ma Lo and Guia Fortress are popular with tourists. See the Top 6 Things to Do in Macau.

The St. Paul’s Ruins

The ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, which was built in 1580, are now the most representative landmark in Macau. They combine the style of European Renaissance and Oriental architecture, reflecting a blend of Eastern and Western culture.

Monte Fortress

Monte Fortress

Monte Fortress was built in 1627. The fortress, and the Macau Museum in it, is probably the best place to go to learn about Macau's history and culture. Museum tickets cost 15 HKD.

Senado Square

Until 1999 Macau was a Portuguese colony. Senado Square was an old Portuguese square. Old pastel colored buildings line the sides, and a church is at the back. It and about 20 other old buildings and forts are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Senado Square

Walking around the square, you will feel like you are in Europe, with such a beautiful view and ambience. You can see so many shops selling Macau snacks like Portuguese egg tarts, puddings, and pork sandwiches.

The A-Ma Temple

The A-Ma Temple is a symbol of Macau's Mazu culture. With a history of over 500 years, it is one of the oldest temples in the city as well as a World Heritage attraction.

The A-Ma Temple was one of the first places the Portuguese saw when they arrived in 14th and 15th centuries and it still functions as a spiritual beacon in Macau.

Casinos

The Venetian Macao

The Venetian Macao

The Venetian Macao is a super large resort with the theme of Venetian waters, with 3,000 luxury suites, more than 30 restaurants, more than 330 retail stores, 4 outdoor swimming pools, and an 18-hole rooftop golf course. It is one of the largest casinos in the world, with no less than 640 gaming tables and 1,760 slot machines.

At the same time, it is also a must-see for tourists and one of the most well-known places in Macau.

Grand Lisboa

The Grand Lisboa Casino and hotel looks spectacular by day, and even more so at night.

The building of the Grand Lisboa is like a giant golden lotus flower. It is the landmark of Macau and is very eye-catching. There are not only luxurious suites, but also Michelin restaurants, outdoor pools, and spas.

Wynn Palace

It is owned by the world gambling king, Alan Wynn. It is said that this resort costed 4 billion USD and attracts a lot of tourists not only for its luxurious outside, but even the decoration inside.

Getting to the casinos in Macau is easy.Free casino buses line up at both ferry terminals, and pretty women representing their hotels and casinos stand and hand out coupons and information. Just get on the bus you want for free. You can easily get lost in the biggest casinos eating, shopping, and seeing the shows.

More Things You Should Know

1. Most nationalities don’t need a visa to travel to Macau. You'll need your passport to travel between Hong Kong and Macau. Foreign tourists to Hong Kong generally have no problem entering Macau with a free short-term stamp on their passport. Check whether you need a visa or not.

2. Hong Kong dollars can be used in Macau. You don’t need to exchange them.

3. If you easily get seasick on ferries, take some medicine or use seasickness band. It takes about one hour by ferry at a speed of 35-50 knots.

Enjoy a Hassle-Free Macau Day Tour with Us

We understand that most tourists would like to visit Macau in an efficient way at a competitive price. Based on these needs, we offer a seat-in-couch one-day tour to Macau from Hong Kong: see below.

Hong Kong – Macau Group Tour

Duration: approx. 8 hours Available: every day

Price: only $139 per person (USD$ 69 per infant under 2 years old)

Note: 1 day before departure, you will get a fax with detailed information about pick up time, pick-up place (and directions if no free pick up at your hotel), itinerary, sightseeing information, and emergency number of the tour operator in your hotel in Hong Kong.

Itinerary

Around 8am: Your guide in Hong Kong pick you up from a designated hotel in downtown Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, or North Point.

Around 9am: Arrive at Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Port and depart for Macau by comfortable Turbojet. Your Hong Kong guide will give you your Turbojet tickets and see you off at the pier.

In the morning: After one hour you arrive at Macau. You will be met by your Macau guide and led to the coach. Explore the Ruins of St. Paul, Monte Fortress, including a section of the old city wall, and Senado Square. See the Border Gate and do shop for local souvenirs at the sidewalk stalls.

Simple buffet lunch in a local restaurant: Choose from a selection of main dishes, soup, vegetables, desserts, and drinks.

In the afternoon: Continue city sightseeing with a visit to the A-Ma Temple, from which Macau gets its name! Visit the famous casinos for a look around if time permits.

Around 5pm: Your Macau guide will see you off at the Macau –Hong Kong Ferry Pier and you return to Hong Kong by comfortable Turbojet. Guilde and driver in Hong Kong meet you and drop you off at the designated hotel.

Inclusions:

English-speaking tour guide and entry to all attraction listed in the itinerary

Simple lunch, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges

Instructions

To ensure your booking, please let us know your Hong Kong hotel information and contact number at least two days before departure. The designated hotel pick-up points change daily, depending on demand.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off is the same unless specified. Consult with your tour guide and driver if you want to get out somewhere else.

You need a passport and maybe a visa. If you require a Macau visa that is your responsibility. Most nationalities don't. Macau visa fee (about HK$100) is not included in the tour price. In general it takes a few minutes to complete the process of issuing visa, but in peak season, it takes longer. It depends on how many passengers queue in line. Our tour guide in Hong Kong will explain to you how to apply for a Macau visa upon arrival.

If you want to visit other attractions like the Macau Tower, you can get back to Hong Kong at night, we can book Turbojet tickets with night sailing at 21:00 and tour guide will pass return tickets to clients on that day (upon picking up or meeting at pier).

Transfers to Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal and transfers to hotel in Hong Kong are arranged on your own.

Other Considerations

Since it is a group tour, sometimes you will need to wait until everybody arrives in Macau from different boats in the morning. Please be patient.

The tour does not have shops, factories, and unscheduled stops unless passengers request them. Report any violations.

Don't wear shorts or casual slip-on footwear if you wish to be accepted in the casinos (some have stricter dress codes).

Please note that during the Christmas and New Year period there may be delays at immigration and re-routing of traffic around the major tourist areas.

If you are vegetarian or Muslim, you are suggested to take snacks on your own or choose the dishes you can have during buffet time.